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Former Oiler Troy Stecher causes major change with Maple Leafs
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Since Troy Stecher was claimed off waivers November 15, the Toronto Maple Leafs have been revitalized and the former-Oiler defenseman is a big reason why.
Prior to the Leafs claiming Stecher, they were struggling to put up wins. Since then, the team sits only 1-point out of a Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.
Former-Oiler defenseman sparks lackluster Leafs
Troy Stecher has provided defensive stability that was lacking on the Leafs' blueline, in large part because of injuries to their top-pairing guys.
Three of the top-4 have all missed time this year. Chirs Tanev and Brendan Carlo are still week-to-week, and most recently, Jake McCabe went down and is listed as day-to-day.
Analytically, Stecher's numbers are unbelievable since joining the Leafs. He's gone from zero to a hero.
Stecher's new teammate and Captain has certainly noticed what the hard-working defenseman brings to the lineup.
«He's come in and fit in so well with this group right away,» Matthews told reporters after a recent win. «He plays with a lot of passion, a lot of emotion out there. It's been a couple of weeks in a row now that we've seen that passion, that energy from him, and it's been awesome to see. That was a big goal for him tonight, he made a lot of great plays throughout the game for us, and like I said, he's just been a great addition to our group."
Of course, you wont see his impact on the scoresheet, not very often at least. But it's his defensive relentlessness and work ethic that make him noticeable on the ice.
Averaging 20:20 of TOI, it's clear that Toronto's head coach Craig Berube trusts Troy.
«He's obviously a very competitive player,» Berube said. «I didn't know him that well before he got here. But, just being around the guy and watching him, very competitive and brings a lot of energy to the team. Very vocal kind of guy. He's getting a good opportunity here right now, and he's taken advantage of it.»
Stecher becomes a free agent on July 1, 2026. With his play, there is a good chance the Leafs re-sign him.